Many moons ago in 2020, I wrote a post entitled, “Lions, and Tigers, and Bears-OH MY” to illustrate how the effects of listening, seeing, and speaking negativity over and over again can impact us.  Specifically, if a person keeps repeating his fears, he will find himself falling deeper and deeper into despair instead of prayerfully looking for positive ways to contribute towards a solution.  Thus, in this continued series: “Infected or Influenced”, I chose a another 3-worded subtitle with the same vibe to illustrate repeating rumors, spreading gossip, and unwarranted meddling in other people’s business will only hurt others and yourself.

There is probably not one person reading this post who has NOT experienced hurtful lies, juicy untruths, and busy-bodies sticking their noses where they do not belong. First, let us define these terms:

1.       Rumor: a statement or report current without known authority for its truth. ^1

2.       Gossip: Intimate, personal, or sensational facts in nature about others. ^2

3.       Meddling: to interest oneself in what is NOT one’s concern-interfere without right. ^3.

A rumor can be true or not; however, the person spreading it does not know for sure. It is unverified. Now, in a similar manner, gossip can also be a type of rumor, and it can be true (being true does not make it acceptable to spread); yet it is usually more personal and often used to gain attention.  While meddling is giving one’s opinion (whether verbal or in action) without being asked. 

Now, let us dig a little deeper into the devastating results of these sins (and yes, they are sins: Proverbs 20:19, James 3:2-12, 2 Corinthians 12:20, Leviticus 19:16, 1 Timothy 5:13, and Proverbs 17:4, Proverbs 26:17, 1 Thessalonians 4:11).

First, they hurt!  The rumor is not designed to help the situation, gossip is not spread for healing purposes, and meddling is not truly offered to fix a problem.  

Second, they cause division.  Friendships, families, work environments, neighborhoods, and countries will be torn apart by this terrible threesome.  Look at how quickly people judge an event with a 20 second video or crucify an innocent person based on a picture with a biased caption that has zero credibility? 

Finally, the scars remain.  Even if a rumor is squashed, a gossiper is held accountable, and a self-proclaimed neighborhood watchdog is removed, the damage is already done.  Of course, there can be healing, forgiveness, and reconciliation; however, the scars do not completely go away.  Although they may fade, marks are a reminder of how quickly these beasts can destructively infect our lives.

Recently, I have been the recipient of rumors, and gossip, and meddling- OH MY! And it does not feel good.  I was given a quote from my sister that I would like to share:

“Rumors can make you dislike innocent people. Don’t judge people off of what others are saying about them.  Be wise, get to know them for yourself, then form your own opinion.  The one talking to you, may be the one you need to stay away from”. 

Gossip and rumors in today’s world are not just verbal. We live in a social media environment with posts, videos, blogs, and news reports that can all be taken out of context, misconstrued, and even 100% false. People omit facts to skew a specific narrative and shockingly it works!  People blindly believe/follow like a herd of sheep.  They do not research, cross-reference information, and/or at the very least, ask the person on their own. 

Ultimately, we can choose to be infected or influenced.  Thus, choose to influence by stopping a rumor by not repeating it, dissipate gossip by refusing to engage, and thwart meddling by simply asking the person if he needs or wants any help.  When you do hear something that is relevant-then do your own research: ask questions, listen to more than one side, and more importantly, pray for God’s wisdom to reveal the truth. He is Just, and He is Righteous, and He is Omniscience-OH MY!

***Side Note:  Christians must be very careful that they do not fall into the trap of deceiving themselves by hiding behind a spiritual excuse, “So and So needs prayer/help because ‘this or that’ has happened”.  Unless ‘So and So’ gave you permission to share ‘this or that’, and he or she is asking the community for prayer and/or help, then it is just rumor, gossip, and meddling -and nothing more. 

Song: Love With Your Life by Hollyn

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XfVetZeaxuc

References:       

(Marriam-Webster Dictionary)

Got Questions-(your questions. Biblical answers): “What does the Bible say about spreading rumors?”